Thank you for following along with our Boss in the Bay State series, a monthly blog post that highlights remarkable professionals throughout Massachusetts.

Want to nominate yourself or someone you know to be featured next? Fill out our contact form.

Introduce yourself! Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Courtney, founder of CVilla Design. I don’t just design brand identities and websites; I build Brand Architecture for women who carry deep stories.

What sets me apart is my process of Cultural Translation. Most designers look for trends, but I’ve learned to listen for the quiet influences that culture leaves on identity.Those nuances, that some branding tends to ignore, are what make a brand truly magnetic.

I translate those lived experiences into a visual language that feels like home and commands the room without ever having to shout.

What made you want to start your business?

I’ve always loved design, but what really reignited my passion was when my husband and I moved to a small island in Cape Verde in 2015. While I was there, I did some design work for some local businesses, and I was introduced to ‘Morabeza.’

In Cape Verde, Morabeza is more than just hospitality, it’s a deep way of welcoming someone you don’t even know. It’s the feeling of being seen and heard. I realized I wanted to bring that same spirit into the branding world.

When women work with me, I want them to feel like they are stepping into a warm, intentional space where they no longer have to perform. It’s a place where their stories can be shared safely and then translated into a brand that’s not only beautiful, but that fully honors their culture and feels like home for their clients.

What do you love the most about owning a business in Massachusetts?

I’ve been in MA for six years now, and I’m inspired by the beauty, the grit, and the people. I love the lush greenery and experiencing the four seasons in full. I have a special place in my heart for the cultural communities here. There is so much quiet power in their stories, and I love helping women founders translate their unique lived experiences into a high-end brand presence.

What are your favorite small businesses to support in Massachusetts?

Madhouse Cafe in Roxbury is such a hidden gem. It’s a woman-owned cafe /custom motorcycle shop. The owner is a Lebanese-American motorcycle builder, and you can instantly feel her story when you walk in the door. The space is well decorated, it’s industrial but warm and cozy, and it’s full of plants and great music. The vibe feels global and local at the same time.

The Ice Cream Barn in Swansea is my go-to for something classic, local, and authentic. It’s literally a barn on a working dairy farm, so you’re eating ice cream made with milk from the cows you can see right there in the pasture. My favorite ice cream is the Maple Walnut, but everything there is delicious. To me, it’s the perfect example of a brand that doesn’t need to shout to be the best—it just lets the quality and the experience speak for itself.

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?

Running a business is challenging, and I’ve learned that a support system of like-minded people is essential for navigating the ups and downs. I also learned the importance of having a brand built with depth. When I first started, I didn’t do the structural work to reflect my own strengths and unique point of view. I eventually had to rebuild with intention, making sure that my own lived-experiences shaped the way my brand shows up. My goal is to help other women do the same, to build a foundation so solid that they no longer have to struggle to be seen.

If you weren’t in your current position, what would your next dream job be?

Interior Design, for sure. I love all forms of creativity, but I’m really drawn to how a physical space can increase our joy and well-being through the intentional use of colors, textures, and stories. It’s a version of what I do now, but it’s something you can actually touch and live in. Whether it’s a website or a living room, I’m always looking to build a space that feels like home.

When you’re not working, what activities do you enjoy?

I love travel, culture and nature. I’ve explored nearly 20 countries and have learned three languages along the way. I’m especially looking forward to heading to Asia for the first time later this year for an international convention. When I’m home, I spend a lot of time volunteering within the local Cape Verdean community. To recharge, you’ll find me on the couch with a matcha latte or taking care of my exotic plant collection that’s slowly, but beautifully overtaking my house.

Thank you for sharing more about yourself! Tell us how we can get in touch with you or find you online.

You can learn more about me via my website, Instagram, and LinkedIn.